Travel advisory issued due to severe weather forecast

Travel advisory issued due to severe weather forecast

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has issued a travel advisory to those traveling by sea to take precautions after the Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a White Weather Alert.

The MET Office issued the alert expecting heavy rain and thunderstorms with gusts of winds up to 45mph for the islands from Haa Alifu Atoll to Lhaviyani Atoll.

And so, MNDF has advised boat captains and other seafarers to acquire the latest weather forecasts when planning travel and ensure that all safety equipment is in working order on board including life jackets, communication devices and water pumps.

They also advises against traveling on small vessels, traveling during storms and traveling at night. And cargo vessels are advised to keep to regulations and not to over load.

Captains and owners who have their vessels anchored in harbors and lagoons are advised to secure their vessels and take care in ensuring that draining equipment are in order.

Any and all incidents at sea are to be reported to the Maldives Coast Guard Service as soon as possible via the emergency line 191.